Quinault Nation celebrates QBRC’s expansion grand opening

About 100 people from around Grays Harbor County and the North Beach celebrated with the Quinault Indian Nation on Friday as the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino held a grand opening for its $25 million expansion that opened earlier this month.

The first phase of development in the expansion includes a new circular bar, expanded gaming area and devices including a “smoke-free” gaming area, a Quinault-themed buffet and an expanded kitchen.

The expansion follows the prior completion of a 159 room remodel at the resort.

Don Kajans, General Manager/CEO of Quinault Beach Resort & Casino, and Quinault Indian Nation President Fawn Sharp presided over the ceremonies, which was attended by County Commissioners Vickie Raines and Randy Ross, Ocean Shores Mayor Crystal Dingler, members of the Quinault Nation Tribal Council, several members of the Ocean Shores City Council as well as a few celebrities like the Williams and Ree comedy team now appearing at QBRC. Members of the Quileute and Hoh tribes also were present.

“I am so impressed with our ability to come together as a team,” Sharp said. “This can only be accomplished with teamwork.”

Tribal Council members to participate in the ceremony included Vice President Tyson Johnston, Treasurer Larry Ralston,and Council members Gina James and Chet Tweed.

Sharp’s mother, Ann Maria Masten, and great aunt, Hazel Rosander, each said prayers and gave a blessing to the project. Masten gave thanks “for all the jobs that are provided for the county, for the tribe, for all the surrounding area.”

“On behalf of future generations of all citizens in Grays Harbor, and the future of our people, we honor you and welcome you to this grand opening,” Sharp said.

Kajans said the staff at QBRC is proud of the project. “I want to thank my wonderful staff, who make me look so good and make it look so easy,” Kajans said.

“Everybody has given so much to get us here to this position,” he added.

Raines noted Quinault Beach Resort opened in 2000, and said “QBRC has been a true winner on the Washington coast.”

“As one of the largest employers in Grays Harbor County, I appreciate the QBRC team for the pride they have in serving their patrons,” Raines said. “Owned by the Quinault Indian Nation, and operated by the Nation’s Enterprise Board, the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino has been a wonderful addition to the North Beach area.”

Angelo Bruscas/North Coast News photo: Melanie Montgomery, chair of the Quinault Nation Enterprise Board, cuts the ribbon on the new expansion at the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino on Friday.

Quinault Nation celebrates QBRC’s expansion grand opening

Angelo Bruscas/North Coast News photo: Melanie Montgomery, chair of the Quinault Nation Enterprise Board, cuts the ribbon on the new expansion at the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino on Friday.